Child Development Specialist

The Family Tree; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Family Tree's Family Resource Center in Baltimore seeks a qualified professional to help families identify strengths, meet needs, and achieve goals. This role collaborates with center staff and is guided by participating parents' priorities.

You will oversee child health and development activities for birth to three, plan infant/toddler programs, and support parents with information and resources. A strong background in Early Childhood Education is preferred; the position involves

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development or related field accepted.
• Experience with young children birth to three; supervisory experience required (min 1 year).

Responsibilities

• Oversee health, safety and well-being of all children.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate program for infants and toddlers.
• Demonstrate knowledge of best teaching practices and child development.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings.
• Report to Center Director on program and duties.
• Serve on the center program management team.
• Provide parents with information and parenting support.
• Complete all required paperwork.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Leadership

Outreach & recruitment

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Job description

Summary:

This position is a core component of the Family Resource Center, designed to help families identify their strengths, meet their needs, and achieve their goals. It is not a stand-alone task—it operates in collaboration with all other Center staff and is driven by the expressed needs and priorities of the participating parents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overseethehealth,safetyandwell-beingof allthechildren.
• Plansand implements asevelopmentallyappropriate program for infants and toddlers,including screenings, assessments and development of children's individual classroom plans.
• Demonstratesasound knowledgeof goodteachingpracticesand of childgrowthanddevelopment.
• ParticipatesinprogramstaffmeetingsandtrainingprovidedbyMFNorsponsoringagency.
• ReportsdirectlytoCenterDirectorconcerningChildDevelopmentProgramandotherjob responsibilities.
• FunctionsasmemberoftheCenterprogrammanagementteam.
• Providesparentswith informationandsupportintheirparentingrole.
• Abilitytoliftto50lbs.
• Abilitytogetupanddownoffthe floor.
• Complete allrequiredpaperwork.

General Qualifications:

• UnderstandandbecommittedtotheoverallphilosophyofFamilySupport.
• Maintainrespectforconfidentialityofinformationdivulgedbyoronbehalfofparticipants.
• Possesstheabilitytorelatetopeopleof diverseeducational,culturalandeconomicbackgrounds.
• Bewillingandabletodoaggressiveoutreachandrecruitment.
• Modelappropriateinteractionwithyoungchildrenandparents.
• Have theability toworkindependentlyandasateammemberandleader.

Specific Qualifications:

• Have a thorough knowledge of child growth and development of thefirstyearsof lifefrom birth to three years of age.
• Have a thorough knowledge of community resources related to the needs of young children and willingness to help families access them.
• Demonstratesensitivityandunderstandingwhenrelatingtoparents'situationandfeelings.
• Possessbasicmanagementskills to include:
  • Effectivewrittenandverbalcommunication skills.
  • Knowledgeandabilitytodesignandmaintainanappropriateenvironmentfor infants and toddlers.
  • Abilitytoplanandimplementactivitiesforchildrenindividuallyandasa group.
  • Abilitytomaintainrecordsandreportsonyoungchildren.
  • Ability toreinforcehealthandsafetystandardsinthechilddevelopmentroom.
• Possesssupervisoryskillsrelatedtochildcaremanagementwhichinclude:
  • Demonstratedabilitytosuperviseandevaluatechilddevelopmentpersonneland volunteers.
  • Abilityto makesounddecisionsrelatedto interactionsbetweenstaff, parents and children.
  • Abilitytoprovideguidanceanddirectiontostaffincurriculumplanningand implementation and planning children's activities.
  • Abilitytomodelteamleadershipskillsonissuesofchilddevelopment.
  • Ability to model/teach parentsandstaff howtonurture andinteract withbabies and young children.

Education/Experience:

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development or related field accepted.
• Must have experience working with young children from birth to three years old. Minimum of 1-year supervisory experience required.